But as overtourism and travel fatigue reshape the tourism industry, that mindset is beginning to shift. Increasingly, travellers are choosing to slow down; spending longer in one destination, embracing local experiences and prioritising relaxation over packed schedules.
This trend, often referred to as “slow travel”, has emerged as one of the defining themes in tourism this year. From longer stays to off-season holidays and rural escapes, industry reports and travel companies say more travellers are trading fast-paced itineraries for a more intentional way of travelling.
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The shift is increasingly being reflected in travel data. A recent report by digital travel platform Agoda points to growing demand for quieter, slower-paced destinations, particularly across India’s Himalayan region.
According to Agoda, the shift is already visible in traveller behaviour. They reported a 154% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches for Dharamshala, followed by Rishikesh at 65% and Uttarkashi at 17%, as travellers increasingly gravitate towards destinations known for their natural landscapes, wellness offerings and a more relaxed pace of life.
While Dharamshala has long been associated with Tibetan Buddhist culture, meditation centres and forest trails, Rishikesh continues to draw visitors for its yoga traditions, ashrams and wellness retreats along the banks of the Ganga. Uttarkashi, meanwhile, has emerged as a quieter Himalayan alternative for travellers seeking a more immersive mountain experience.
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Additionally, Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook found that 67% of Indian respondents cited relaxation as their primary motivation for travel, suggesting a desire to disconnect from the pace of urban life rather than maximise the number of destinations visited. Agoda said search interest in Dharamshala and Rishikesh was driven not only by domestic travellers but also by visitors from international markets including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Thailand and the UAE.
The shift is also evident globally. Expedia Group’s “Unpack ’26” report identified a surge in interest for destinations that offer nature, open spaces and a slower pace of travel, based on year-on-year increases in flight-and-accommodation searches on its platform. Big Sky, Montana, recorded the largest increase at 92%, followed by Okinawa, Japan (71%), Sardinia, Italy (63%) and Phu Quoc, Vietnam (53%)—destinations known for their natural landscapes and outdoor experiences.
The report also points to a broader change in travel preferences beyond where people are going. In its “Farm Charm” section, Vrbo reported that 84% of travellers are interested in staying on or near a farm as the “slow travel movement gains momentum”, while mentions of farm-related experiences in Vrbo guest reviews increased 300% year-on-year, “the most desired farm stay features also include nature walks or hiking (73%), the chance to interact with farm animals (62%), and harvesting produce or picking fresh fruit (42%).”
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(Edited by : Asmita Pant)
